Obama May Stay in Washington After Term Ends

President Barack Obama, with daughters Sasha, left, and Malia, at the White House on Wednesday.

President Barack Obama indicated he may stay in Washington after he leaves office, at least for a few years, according to remarks in an ABC News interview set to air tonight.

Mr. Obama said the family might stay in order to make sure their younger daughter, Sasha, isn’t uprooted before finishing high school. It is rare for former presidents to remain in Washington after their term ends.

“You know we gotta make sure that she’s doing well” until she goes off to college, Mr. Obama said, according to ABC, adding: “Sasha will have a big say in where we are.”

The habit of former Congressmen sticking around Washington after their term ends — to cash in with lucrative lobbying jobs, not to see their kids through school — was a central theme of the recent takedown of D.C. culture, “This Town.” Former presidents, for their part, have typically made money after leaving office by giving high-priced speeches in the U.S. and overseas.

The interview by Barbara Walters of Mr. Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama is set to air on ABC’s “20/20″ on Friday night at 10 p.m. ET.

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.